xxvi, 92 pages : 20 cm

Includes bibliographical references

Cicero's place in history -- On old age -- A note on the translation -- De senectute -- Dedication to Titus Pomponius Atticus and a brief introduction -- Scipio and Laelius persuade Cato to talk to them about old age -- Character is more important than age -- An example of excellent character: Quintus Fabius Maximus -- Old age need not be anything to complain about -- Everyone can be useful in old age, even though our roles will change -- We need not lose our mental powers: the key to happiness is to keep working -- We must look for new experiences and learn from other people -- The loss of physical vigor need not be a matter for regret -- Physical strength is not necessarily relevant to a productive life -- As our strength fails, we must keep our minds alert -- Sexual gratification is not what it is cracked up to be; it can even be damaging -- Moderation is good: there's nothing wrong with good food and good conversation -- Sex is not as exciting as intellectual activity -- Farming is a wonderful occupation as we get older -- Further pleasures of farm life -- Age does not hold us back from a happy life on the farm; it brings moral authority -- The authority that comes with old age -- We do not know when death will come, so it is pointless to be afraid of it -- Death comes when the time is right; we must recognize when we have had enough of life -- The nature of the soul: evidence suggests that it is immortal -- A Persian king talks of the immortality of the soul -- The prospects for undying glory and for the reunion of souls in another place

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